Moor Changes in Alhambra

(Alhambra) – Gone is three year starting quarterback Darrian Cazarin and D1 wide receiver Mitchell Crockom. Receiver Joseph Becerra has also taken the graduation walk and linebacker Brandon Wilson finished his prep career in June as well. But the biggest change for the Moors is at coach where Lou Torres has taken over for Gil Ruedaflores who roamed the Alhambra sidelines for the last 20 plus years.

“Yeah it’s kind of weird being out here in the summer and not seeing Coach Ruedafores,” said Moor Offensive Coordinator Jacob Ochoa. Ochoa has been on the Alhambra staff since 2005 and this is his first year running the offense.

With the loss of a big senior class the Moors will be young in 2010. Expect to see a lot of sophomores and juniors on the roster. At quarterback Luis Herrera, a junior, and sophomore Josh Mendoza are battling for the top spot.

“These guys have never had any playing time at the varsity level. Darrian was the starter for three years,” Torres said. “I mean they’ve played at JV but this is not JV.”

Chris Salgado is a bubba up front

Torres who runs a Wing T offense doesn’t plan on having his quarterback throw the ball a lot anyway.

“With our offense, I just need them to manage the game, not make mistakes. They won’t need to pass much.”

Running back Vai Peko has transferred to La Habra but junior Demetrius Russell will step in to carry the ball as well as line up at wide receiver.

“He’s the best athlete on the team. I’ll use him everywhere,” Torres said.

George Vasquez who transferred in from Texas will get some carries as well in the backfield.

Dominic Gonzalez will be up front joining Salgado, and will also start at defensive end.

Dominic Gonzalez, sporting a mohawk, will start at defensive end and see time at tight end as well

“He’s definitely going to be big for us. We’ll use him at tight end as well,” said Ochoa.

“We’re young definitely. We’ll have some work to do,” Torres added.

The only thing that didn’t change for Alhambra was the schedule. It’s the same as 2009. The Moors will open at home against Roosevelt before the hitting the road for La Canada. Then they get Temple City at home before traveling to Wilson and South Pasadena. The Moors will then travel to Keppel to open Almont League play on October 15.